Johnny Cardoso
ATM
Diagnosed with minor thigh injury
Cardoso (thigh) has been diagnosed with a low-grade thigh muscle injury after experiencing discomfort during Tuesday's Champions League draw against Stuttgart and will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation work, with his return depending on his recovery progress, according to the club.
Analysis: Cardoso faces a spell on the sidelines after medical examinations confirmed a low-grade thigh muscle injury sustained during Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Stuttgart. The midfielder played 21 minutes off the bench in the European fixture but experienced discomfort afterward, prompting further assessments by the club's medical staff. He subsequently missed Thursday's training session, and Atletico have now confirmed that he will undergo physiotherapy and gym-based rehabilitation until he is ready to resume regular training. Although the injury is considered relatively minor, no definitive timetable has been established for his return. Cardoso will likely need additional recovery time before being considered for selection, with his return to competitive action depending on how quickly he responds to treatment.
Dealing with thigh injury
Cardoso didn't train Thursday due to a thigh injury and should be considered questionable to play against Deportivo on Saturday, according to Diario AS.
Analysis: Cardoso logged 21 minutes off the bench in the draw against Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday, but his absence from training complicates his chances of playing over the weekend. A final call on Cardoso's status could be made closer to Saturday's 3 p.m. ET kickoff.
Cleared to face Stuttgart
Cardoso is fit for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Stuttgart after recovering from the illness that forced him to miss Saturday's 1-0 victory against Espanyol, with the midfielder included in Atletico Madrid's official squad list, according to the club.
Analysis: Cardoso returns to contention after missing Saturday's victory against Espanyol due to illness, putting him back in the mix for a midfield role against Stuttgart. The American midfielder had started four consecutive matches across all competitions before his latest absence, gradually rebuilding his fitness and establishing himself as a regular option following right ankle surgery in May that also ruled him out of the World Cup. His inclusion in Tuesday's traveling squad suggests he has recovered sufficiently to feature, although it remains unclear whether he will immediately return to the starting lineup. Cardoso will compete with Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios and Marcos Llorente for minutes in central midfield, with coach Diego Simeone having additional flexibility in his selection for the European fixture.
Will miss Espanyol clash
Cardoso (illness) will miss Saturday's La Liga clash against Espanyol after coach Diego Simeone confirmed his absence during Friday's press conference, per Diario AS.
Analysis: Cardoso will be sidelined against Espanyol after starting four games in a row across all competitions. The American midfielder had been gradually rebuilding his fitness following right ankle surgery in May, which also forced him to miss the World Cup. His latest absence interrupts his efforts to establish a consistent role in Atletico Madrid's midfield after an injury-disrupted previous campaign. With Koke (personal) also unavailable, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are the leading candidates to feature in central midfield, while Marcos Llorente offers another alternative.
Assists in first start
Johnny Cardoso assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-0 victory versus Osasuna.
Analysis: Cardoso made his first start of the season against Osasuna and set up Alex Baena for the goal that finished off a comfortable home win. The midfielder had surgery on his right ankle in May, a problem that also cost him the World Cup, and he had been used off the bench since returning. coach Diego Simeone pointed to this display and his cameo against Real Sociedad as the standard that earns a place in his plans, and he made clear that the injuries which cost the American any continuity last season are the thing he hopes to see behind him. His manager was clear that the quality is there and that consistency is the missing piece after injuries cut into his last campaign. With Morten Hjulmand arriving from Sporting in the summer to add competition in front of the defence, the road back to regular minutes could be a longer one, and the coach has asked for this level to be repeated week after week.
Fully fit in preseason
Cardoso (ankle) is fully fit and training fully with the team without any issues, the club posted.
Analysis: Cardoso underwent ankle surgery after suffering a high grade sprain in training, an injury that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with the United States. He made 12 starts in 15 appearances last season before the setback, and his full return to team training is an encouraging sign as he looks to regain a regular role in Atletico Madrid's midfield heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga season.
Back on the grass
Cardoso (ankle) has returned to outdoor training, according to Atletico MD.
Analysis: Cardoso underwent ankle surgery after suffering a high grade sprain in training that also ended his 2026 World Cup hopes with the United States. His return to the grass marks a positive step in his recovery, and he appears to be drawing closer to a return to action. The midfielder made 12 starts in 15 appearances last season before the injury struck. Cardoso is expected to continue building toward full training as Atletico Madrid's preseason preparations continue.
Missing World Cup due to surgery
Cardoso is set for ankle surgery due to an ankle sprain with joint involvement, according to his club.
Analysis: Cardoso's 2026 World Cup dreams have come to an end, as after suffering a high-grade ankle sprain in training, he will now undergo surgery. This is a major blow for the USMNT as the midfielder had a solid season playing in the Atletico midfield, leaving his national team without an important option in the middle. He ends the campaign recording 12 starts in 15 appearances and will look to recover ahead of the start of the next campaign.
Will miss rest of season
Cardoso will miss the rest of the season with a right ankle sprain, the club confirmed Thursday.
Analysis: Cardoso exited Thursday's training session, and further tests confirmed the severity of the injury, which rules him out for the rest of the 2025/26 campaign. Cardoso made 25 appearances between LaLiga and the Champions League, though most of his upside came via defensive stats. This injury also leaves Cardoso as a heavy doubt to represent the USMNT in the upcoming World Cup.
Forced to leave training Thursday
Cardoso (undisclosed) was forced to leave Thursday's team training session visibly distressed after taking a knock during a training exercise, with medical tests scheduled in the coming hours to determine the extent of the issue, according to David G. Medina of Marca.
Analysis: Cardoso was accompanied off the pitch by the club doctor Oscar Celada and had to be transported by golf cart across the Cerro del Espino facilities, a concerning sight for Atletico heading into the final fixtures of the season. The midfielder has already dealt with several injuries throughout the campaign, making this latest scare particularly worrying for coach Diego Simeone's side. The club will provide a clearer picture once the results of the medical tests are confirmed. Koke should take a larger role in the midfield if Cardoso is set to miss time.
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